Developing Basic and Advanced

Goalkeeper Skills

An at home training guide for 9-12 year olds

Written by:
Andrew Current
 Table of Contents

Message from the Author………………………………………….1

About the Author……………………………………………………2

Understanding the Icons…………………………………………..3

Gathering the Equipment………………………………………….4

Serving the Ball Correctly…………………………………………5

Warming Up…………………………………………………………..6

Handling Shots Above the Ribcage……………………………...7

Shaping Your Hands for a Catch…………………………………8

Handling Shots Below the Ribcage……………………………...9

Shaping Your Body for Lowballs………………………………..11

Making Low Diving Saves………………………………………..12

Shooting Bottom Hand for a Save……………………………...14

Making Waist High Dives.........................................................15

Catching High Balls..................................................................17

Troubleshooting........................................................................18

Acknowledgements..................................................................23

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 Message from the Author
Dear Parents and Goalkeepers,

This set of goalkeeper instructions is designed for 9-12 year olds and their parents. It is my hope
that it will reinforce the technical skills goalkeepers learn in their regular specialized training. I
would also like to tell you about:
 how to use this manual
 the equipment necessary for these exercises
 what to expect from goalkeepers at this age

Working through this manual front to back follows a basic to advanced progression. Remember to
warm-up first and repeat each exercise a minimum of 5 reps times 3 sets. The goalkeeper should
work hard going through the footwork and focus on each save. Walking back to the start will de-
velop composure and concentration without exhaustion. Good service is essential for quality repe-
tition. If the server cannot kick a ball accurately (and with the correct pace) feel free to throw or
roll the ball to challenge the goalkeeper appropriately. Both parties will enjoy it more!

All you need to train as a goalkeeper is: 1 size 4 soccer ball, 3-5 disc cones, proper shoes (preferably
soccer shoes), goalkeeper gloves (encouraged for protection), appropriate clothing (long sleeves
and pants to prevent scrapes), and enough space to throw yourself around. Soccer stores carry
most equipment, however, big box sporting goods stores such as Big 5, or Dick’s Sports carry rea-
sonably priced equipment that works great for this age group. If you have more than one soccer
ball, fantastic! Additional, balls will allow you keep training without chasing.

A wise coach once said, “If the player’s enjoy what they’re doing, they’ll keep coming back.” I
firmly believe in promoting fun and enjoyment at this age. Celebrate when a player makes a great
save or consistent basic saves and they will love being a goalkeeper. Encourage the 3 C’s when ap-
propriate. Commitment means focusing on the training and getting better. Consistency empha-
sizes using the correct technique all the time and not sporadically. Lastly, Competition brings out
the best in people. Notice I am not saying winning, but competing against yourself and those
around you to be your best.

Now it is up to you to get out there and push your limits. Goalkeepers are a special breed because
they are willing to work harder than anyone else on the team. Use this manual as often as possible
and feel free to visit www.CoreSoccer.com for more information on goalkeeper camps and curricu-
lums.

Sincerely,

Andrew Current
Core Goalkeeper Academy
 About the Author

Born and raised in Colorado, I moved away to play collegiate soccer

at NAIA William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. I received a
B.S. in Finance from Metropolitan State University of Denver in
2004. After graduation, I played semi-professional indoor with the
Ft. Collins Fury in the PASL and with the Boulder Rapids Reserve
PDL team.

From 2008-2012 I was the assistant coach for the Metropolitan State
University Women’ s Soccer team. During that time Metro State
posted a winning record of 80-21-12 including an NCAA Division II
Final Four appearance in 2008. I successfully implemented a goalkeeper curriculum that developed
the best goalkeepers in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and the nation.

Also in 2008 I began coaching for Core Goalkeeper Academy. Recognizing the need for quality
goalkeeper training in Colorado, Chris Sharpe of the Colorado Rapids, and the rest of our staff be-
gan what is now the premier goalkeeper training program in the region. Every year we train hun-
dreds of goalkeepers (ages 8-24). We implement age specific curriculums at our academies, and in
clubs, in addition to providing individual instruction to players of all abilities.

As a student of the game my goal is to enable every player to achieve their best potential. The
game has taught me many lessons about hard work, discipline, friendships, and having fun. It is
now my responsibility to enable players to develop the specific skills required of the goalkeeper, in
a safe environment, on their own.

I received my US National C-License in 2010 and my NSCAA Level II Goalkeeper Diploma in

2009.

2
 Understanding the Icons

Icon Used Definition

Coaches Point:
Provides helpful tips on technique and rea-
sons to use it

Correct:
Demonstrates correct technique

Incorrect:
Demonstrates incorrect technique

Frustration Point:
Illustrates common areas of frustration for
goalkeepers

Footwork Path:
Shows the path of footwork in certain illus-
trations

3
 Gathering the Equipment

Goalkeeper gloves and

shoes (soccer shoes pre-
ferred)

One size 4 soccer ball

(use more if available)

Setup 5 disc cones as

shown

Appropriate clothing in-

cludes long sleeves (pants
and/or head protection is
optional)

4
 Serving the Ball Correctly

Correct: Correct:
 The pace/weight of the service should  Accurate service is ESSENTIAL to practice
be age appropriate. techniques.
 Challenge the goalkeeper as they pro-  Throwing the ball will help with accuracy.
gress.

Correct: Incorrect:
 Practice saving a stationary ball to execute  Shooting the ball too hard at this age group can
proper technique. lead to injury.
 This is an MLS coach striking balls at profes-
sional players.

5
 Warming Up
Get Your Heart Rate Up:
A great warm up for ages 9-12 is a jog around the field. Whether you think it is a long or short
distance doesn’t matter. It gets your heart rate up and pumps blood to the body. Try to go around
the field without stopping and maintain a consistent pace.

Stretch Dynamically: Moving across 10 yards

 Side shuffle both directions  Raise knees straight up and open outwards
 Rapid high knees  Raise knees outside and swing inwards
 Controlled butt kickers  Straight leg kicks (under control)

Get Your Feet Moving: Using a line of 5 cones

 Place 2 feet in each moving forward  Jump with 1 foot between each cone (right
and left leg)
 Shuffle through the cones in a slalom
 Two footed jumps between each cone
 Move sideways through the cones

Loosen Up:
 Make small and large circles with your arms  Bend at the waist with straight legs to touch
straight out your toes
 Pull your ankle behind your butt to stretch  Bend straight forward with feet wide apart
the front of the leg to stretch your groin

Move Explosively:
A total of three times jog for 5 yards and sprint for 10 yards. Do this consecutively and stretch
again as needed.

Warm-Ups should be focused and increase in intensi-

ty. Try to get your body coordinated so the move-
ments during training are sharp.

6
 Handling Shots Above the Ribcage
 Move through the footwork quickly with hands starting waist high
and good body shape.
 Shuffle your feet to get behind the ball if it is off to the side.
 Aim the service at the chest and head of the goalkeeper.

1. Move through a set of 3 cones/rings

as quick as possible by placing 2 feet
between each cone/ring.

2. Get into a set position before the ball

is struck or thrown.

Notice the red square demonstrat-

ing the players body shape facing
the shot.

3. Raise your hands up behind the ball

and squeeze it tightly OR control it to
the ground directly in front of your
feet.

7
 Shaping Your Hands for a Catch

Correct: Incorrect:
 Hands in a “W” shape and slightly  Hands underneath or in front of the ball.
curved behind the ball.  Bent or floppy wrists.
 Wrists straight and locked.

Correct: Incorrect:
 Palms against the ball with fingertips  Hands on the side of the ball will allow a hard
wrapped firmly around it. shot to go straight through.

8
 Handling Shots Below the Ribcage
 Move through the cones quickly with hands starting waist high
with good body shape.
 Keep your feet balanced to stay low behind the ball.
 Serve the ball on the ground at the goalkeepers feet.

1. Shuffle side to side through a set of 3

cones as quickly as possible.
 Similar to a slalom shuffle.

Keep good body shape by avoid-

ing unnecessary movements.

2. Get into a set position before the ball

is struck or thrown.

3. Take a slight step towards the ball on

a forward angle.

4. Lower your hands behind the ball

with your fingertips pointing towards
the ground.

9
 Handling Shots Below the Ribcage
(continued)
 Avoid putting your knees on the ground causing immobility.
 Focus your eyes on the ball throughout the entire save.
 Service should roll into the goalkeeper on the ground.

5. Scoop the ball into your chest with

your arms and hands firmly wrapped
around it.

6. Continue to fall forward onto the

front of your forearms.

7. Keep your hips and legs close to the

ground behind the ball.

If the ball goes through your arms

it will get trapped underneath you.

10
 Shaping Your Body for Lowballs

Correct: Incorrect:
 Back knee is tucked behind the arms to  There is nothing behind the ball if it goes
prevent ball from going through the legs. through the hands.
 Properly handled and ready to roll into
chest.

Correct: Incorrect:
 Body shape should lean forward on the  Maintain balance and mobility by keeping your
balls of the feet to attack the save in a for- knee off the ground.
ward direction.

11
 Making Low Diving Saves
 Move through the cones quickly with hands starting waist high
and good body shape.
 Explode off your plant foot to dive as far as possible.
 Serve the ball on the ground 2-3 yards wide of the goalkeeper.

1. Move sideways through 3 cones by

placing two feet between each cone.

2. Take a stagger step and lower your

body towards the ground.

Try to attack the ball on a forward

angle.

3. Shoot your bottom hand low and be-

hind the ball.
 Your upper body shape should
stay square with your top hand
following the bottom hand to
make a catch.

Keep your upper body shape

square to the ball with the top
hand following the bottom hand
to make a catch.

12
 Making Low Diving Saves
(continued)
 Push the ball to the side if it cannot be caught properly.
 Treat all rebounds as live and get up after them quickly until the
ball is secured in your hands.

4. Finish the save by landing on your

side facing the direction of service

Frustration Point!
Finish diving saves by landing on your side with your hands facing the ball. If the ball is
going underneath you, use your power step to get down faster.

Notice how the correct diving posture is similar to catching a ball above the rib-
cage...except laying on the side of your body.

13
Shooting the Bottom Hand for a Save

Correct: Incorrect:
 Bottom hand shoots low and towards  Hands are out of position and have a long path
the ball. from up high to save a ball down low.

Correct: Incorrect:
 Good balance on a plant foot and a  Jumping off the back foot and falling short of
strong push will give you more power and the save.
distance on dives.

14
 Making Waist High Dives
 Move through the footwork quickly with hands starting waist high
and good body shape.
 Keep your body square to the server.
 Serve the ball waist high 2-3 yards away from the goalkeeper.

1. Side shuffle, quickly, through 3 cones

by placing 2 feet between each cone.
 Move sideways through the cones.

2. Close down the angle and get into a

set position before the ball is struck or
thrown.
 Turn to face the shooter square
on.

3. Take a stagger step on a slight angle

towards the ball.

Stagger step=Power Step

 This allows for a strong jump
for farther dives.

15
 Making Waist High Dives
 Increase distance of service to stretch goalkeepers range.
 Increased repetition will dial in technique and avoid unnecessary
movements like jumping too high or falling too short of the save.

4. Push off your leg closest to the ball

and stretch out your arms towards the
ball.

Attack the ball on a forward angle.

5. Finish the save by landing on the side

of your body and holding the ball se-
curely.

Frustration Point!
This is a very advanced save. If you find yourself diving and landing on your stomach,
it will take more repetition to get used to landing on your side. REMEMBER if your
body is facing the shot you have a better chance of catching it and holding on to it.

16
 Catching High Balls
 Maintain balanced footwork.
 Keep your eyes on the ball for better timing.
 Time your jump so you jump early, catch the ball at the highest
point, and land late with momentum carrying you forward.

1. Start in a set position on the top left

of 3 cones.

2. Move quickly around the back of the

cones as you are judging the flight of
the ball.

3. Time your jump to catch the ball as

high as you can and in front of you.

4. Raise up one knee for protection and

additional height.

5. Carry momentum through the save

and hold the ball securely in your
arms.

17
 Troubleshooting

Techniques to Avoid and Fixing Common

Mistakes

18
 Serving the Ball Correctly

Correct: Correct:
 The pace/weight of the service should  Accurate service is ESSENTIAL to practice
be age appropriate. techniques.
 Challenge the goalkeeper as they pro-  Throwing the ball will help with accuracy.
gress.

Correct: Incorrect:
 Practice saving a stationary ball to execute  Shooting the ball too hard at this age group can
proper technique. lead to injury.
 This is an MLS coach striking balls at profes-
sional players.

19
 Shaping Your Hands for a Catch

Correct: Incorrect:
 Hands in a “W” shape and slightly  Hands underneath or in front of the ball.
curved behind the ball.  Bent or floppy wrists.
 Wrists straight and locked.

Correct: Incorrect:
 Palms against the ball with fingertips  Hands on the side of the ball will allow a hard
wrapped firmly around it. shot to go straight through.

20
 Shaping Your Body for Lowballs

Correct: Incorrect:
 Back knee is tucked behind the arms to  There is nothing behind the ball if it goes
prevent ball from going through the legs. through the hands.
 Properly handled and ready to roll into
chest.

Correct: Incorrect:
 Body shape should lean forward on the  Maintain balance and mobility by keeping your
balls of the feet to attack the save in a for- knee off the ground.
ward direction.

21
Shooting the Bottom Hand for a Save

Correct: Incorrect:
 Bottom hand shoots low and towards  Hands are out of position and have a long path
the ball. from up high to save a ball down low.

Correct: Incorrect:
 Good balance on a plant foot and a  Jumping off the back foot and falling short of
strong push will give you more power and the save.
distance on dives.

22
 Acknowledgements

Thanks to all of the U11-U12 goalkeepers from the Colorado Rapids Academy and Burgundy
teams. These kids train extremely hard for 10 months out of the year and their effort shows in
their technical ability and in the saves they make during games. They had good fun taking the pic-
tures and breaking down the curriculum for this project. Thanks guys!

Thanks to Chris Sharpe whom I get to share expertise with on a daily basis about how to make
each individual player achieve their best potential. He has made me a better coach, mentor, and
person. Let’s keep building the best goalkeeper program in the nation!

Also a special thank you to Select Sport America for sponsoring Core Goalkeeper Academy.

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